It’s a very ignorant question! A safe operation is also a productive operation that is well managed, has less error, less waste and less damage to people and equipment. A safe operation will be more productive than an unsafe one

Balancing safety and production in open-pit mining is crucial but challenging. Meeting deadlines while ensuring safety involves several key strategies; Robust safety protocols, effective planning, risk assessment, continuous monitoring etc. Ultimately, prioritizing safety not only protects workers but can also enhance productivity in the long run by reducing incidents and improving morale.

After 30 years in the mining industry I am of the opinion that good production goes hand in hand with good safety practices. I cannot recall a site that had one without the other, generally high rates of incidents are common in poor performing production sites. Stop trying to manage safety differently to production, make it part of the every day and every task. Stop creating over complicated procedures and plans that no one can read, follow, understand or remember and don’t reflect the actual practices. Some of the words used in these responses belong in the 70’s. “rigorous and enforce”. I put it to you if you have to rigorously enforce your safety standards, as some companies do, you already have a problem.

Balancing safety along with other important priorities is a clear sign that you are not serious about the safety of your people. Safety must move beyond being an important priority and it starts with Actively Caring for your People! Safety must become a value that you live in everything you say and do.